My Genealogy Hound

AVERY R. CUSHMAN, a prominent manufacturer of North Amherst, was born in that town, June 22, 1831, son of John R. and Rhoda (Crafts) Cushman. Mr. Cushman is a direct descendant of Robert Cushman, one of the organizers of the “Mayflower” Pilgrims, and who came to America on board the ship to arrive after the “Mayflower.” Robert Cushman was a minister and a prominent man among the colonizers of Massachusetts. Mr. Cushman’s grandfather, Ephraim Cushman, was born in Middleboro, Mass., February 20, 1754. He served in the Revolutionary War, and participated in the suppression of Shays’s Rebellion. He first located in Pelham, Mass., later moving to North Amherst, where he followed the trade of a shoemaker, and also engaged in farming. He was an industrious man, and highly esteemed by his neighbors. He raised a large family of children, all of whom became useful members of society. Ephraim Cushman died in North Amherst, February 20, 1832. He was a Congregationalist in religion.

John R. Cushman, son of Ephraim Cushman and father of Mr. Cushman, was born in North Amherst, September 6, 1803. In early manhood he was connected with the business of manufacturing paper, and in 1834 he established the cardboard manufactory in North Amherst. This he conducted in company with his brother Ephraim until 1864, when his son, Avery R. Cushman, purchased Ephraim’s interest in the business. John R. Cushman was originally a Whig in politics, but united with the Republican party at its formation, and became prominent in public affairs. He served upon the Board of Selectmen, and was a member of the legislature for one term during the Civil War. He was a thorough business man, and stood high among his associates for his honorable and upright character. He was a member of the Congregational church, and contributed liberally toward its support. John R. Cushman died in North Amherst in 1883. His wife, who was born in Whately, Mass., October 7, 1803, became the mother of six children, as follows: George H., deceased; Carrie, deceased, who married Mr. Julius Hall; Avery R., the subject of this sketch; Moses E., a resident of North Amherst; John E., who resides in North Amherst; and Edward P., who resides in Lynn, Mass. The mother died in 1878.

Avery R. Cushman was educated in the public schools of North Amherst, and at an early age commenced to learn the paper-making business. He became familiar with every branch of the trade, and in 1864 entered into partnership with his father. He has since conducted a successful business, and now owns the Cushman Mills, which are devoted to the manufacture of cardboard, producing a large amount annually, and employ from twenty to twenty-five skilled workmen. He is an energetic and capable business man, who has reached his present state of prosperity by hard work. Mr. Cushman is a Republican in politics, and has filled important town offices, and represented his district in the legislature of 1871.

On May 18, 1854, Mr. Cushman was united in marriage to Augusta M. Smith. She was born in Enfield, Mass., May 14, 1832, daughter of John W. and Augusta (Rathburn) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Cushman have four children, namely: Carrie A., who was born December 19, 1855, the wife of Albert S. Stevens, of Amherst, and mother of one daughter, Edith M.; Avery Fayette, born August 28, 1860, is now a lawyer in New York City; Charles Smith, born October 31, 1865, married to Stella L. Shaw, and father of one daughter, Stella May; and Stephen Percy, born September 20, 1873, now a law student in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mr. Cushman’s children are well advanced upon the road to success. Avery F. is connected with the law firm of Goodrich, Deady & Goodrich at 59 Wall Street, New York City. He married Mary Hedden, and has one daughter, named Carolin. Charles S. is engaged in the paper-manufacturing business in North Amherst with his father.

Albert S. Stevens, who married Carrie A. Cushman, was born in Pelham, Mass., February 17, 1852, son of Abial and Maria (Smith) Stevens. Mr. Stevens’s father was born in Gill, Franklin County, Mass., in 1804. He was a successful railroad contractor for many years, and upon his retirement from business he settled in Amherst. He died July 31, 1876. His wife, Maria Smith, who was born in Pelham, Mass., June 2, 1817, became the mother of two children, namely: Lorenzo S., who resides in Ogden, Utah; and Albert S.

Albert S. Stevens received a good education, and has devoted his time and energies to railroad contracting and engineering. He has also been engaged in the construction of public works to a considerable extent, in which he was successful; and he is now living in retirement in Amherst. Mr. Stevens is a Republican in politics.